Fife admits debut went pear-shaped

Scotland new-cap Dougie Fife conceded his dream debut became a horror show on Saturday as Wales hammered the visitors in Cardiff.

Scotland new-cap Dougie Fife conceded his dream debut became a horror show on Saturday as Wales hammered the visitors in Cardiff.

The 51-3 hammering Warren Gatland's men dished out to the Scots hinged greatly upon Stuart Hogg's 22nd minute red card.

It fell to winger Fife alongside number eight Dave Denton to attempt much of the covering work in defence with the full-back off the field.

"I've dreamed about my first cap for so long but that wasn't what I had in mind," Fife told PA Sport.

"It was never going to be an easy match but it got so much tougher once Hoggy got the red card.

"I had to slot in at 15 at times to cover but it is hard enough to play against the Welsh with a full compliment, never mind when you are a man down.

"It felt like I had been chucked in at the deep end - but in a way I did enjoy it."

The 23-year-old has been in fine form for Edinburgh this season, seizing his opportunity in the first team after injury rule Tim Visser out for most of the capital side's PRO12 and Heineken Cup campaigns.

And Fife claims the defeat - Scotland's heaviest in the history of the Championship - has only strengthened his resolve to win more caps and impress in Test rugby.

"It didn't go well but I'm hungry to win more caps and make up for that defeat," added Fife.

"We've got the World Cup next year and the summer tour coming up, so we don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves."